DHX to Bring Back ‘Teletubbies’

DHX Media is planning to produce 60 brand-new episodes of the hit ’90s preschool series “Teletubbies” for CBeebies.

The new series will feature the same characters and styling but will be visually enhanced, for a refreshed, contemporary look-and-feel.

“Having acquired Teletubbies, one of the most significant and globally successful television properties, we are committed to developing the brand for today’s children,” says Steven DeNure, president and chief executive officer, DHX Media. “Kids’ entertainment of this caliber entertains generation after generation, so we believe there is considerable demand for an enhanced, contemporary version.”

In partnership with U.K. production studio Darrall Macqueen, DHX’s updated version of the series will feature the iconic live-action characters on replica model sets in episodes that will be enhanced by CGI.

"‘Teletubbies’ is an enduringly popular series with our youngest viewers, although no new episodes have been made for over 10 years,” says Kay Benbow, controller, CBeebies. “I think that now is the right time to create new episodes of this much-loved, iconic show for the current CBeebies audience. I'm sure they will engage with and delight in the activities of Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa Laa and Po, in the same way that children and parents did when they first appeared on our screens."

“Teletubbies” launched in March 1997 and has since aired in more than 120 territories in 45 different languages. It was also the first western preschool property to air on China’s CCTV.